Son regrets murders, says pastor

Free State - Martin Brits has prayed for forgiveness following the November 8 murders of his father and his sister's fiancé in Harrismith, according to a pastor who visited Brits in jail, Beeld reported on Tuesday.

Pastor Gert Victor visited Brits, 28, hours before the memorial service held for his father, Willem Brits, 60.

“He repeatedly said he was sorry, and expressed remorse… he feels particularly guilty towards his two brothers (Willie and Dawid), and his sister (Thea).”

Victor said he gave Brits the opportunity to pray.

“He was not averse to the idea. He said a short and powerful prayer, apologised to God and said he realised that he'd done a very foolish thing.”

Brits also enquired about the wellbeing of his other family members, including his mother, Dorothea, who has been in the intensive care unit of the Bloemfontein Mediclinic since she was struck with an axe during the attack.

Brits and Elliot Mhlambi, 41, his co-accused, appeared briefly in the Harrismith Magistrate's Court again on Monday in connection with the murders of Willem Brits, 60, and his son-in-law Gerhard Vermeulen, 25.

Corne Marais, Brits' lawyer, told Beeld the media attention “was getting to” Brits, because he knew it was placing strain on his family.

Brits confessed to his involvement in the murders before a Fouriesburg magistrate last week. - Sapa